East Main And Court Streets In Vernon: Before And After

VERNON, CT — The new Dollar General Store at the corner of East Main and Court streets in the Rockville section of Vernon is presenting a whole new look to the area while attempting to maintain the old-school character of the area.

Here's what the parcel at 38 and 42 East Main Street looked like before the recent development:

Last spring, a Dollar General store was proposed to replace the two longtime vacancies, one of which used to host a bank.

The plans were submitted by property owner West Hartford Gas Inc., and called for the demolition of both vacant buildings and replacing them with a 10,764-square-foot corporately run Dollar General. The premise was to give those with transportation issues in the area an option for a discount retailer close-by.

Historic property officials were adamant that the building take on a traditional look.

Parking would be installed to the rear and side of the building.

And about two weeks ago, it opened. Here is the parcel after the development:

Landscape work still needs to be completed at the Rockville store, but the place was bustling both Wednesday afternoon and evening. Customers were pouring in on foot, off the bus and in private vehicles.

The Rockville Dollar General seems huge compared to the other two in town in terms of space inside. Vernon has one on Route 83 and another on Route 30, the latter designed to accommodate a slew of apartment complexes within walking and short driving distance.